September Songs: Classic Jazz, Born In The FallThe change of season offers a chance to look ahead to fall and look back at summer simultaneously. For many, it's an especially productive month: In the world of jazz, September sessions have produced some special recordings.

Duke Ellington, Max Roach and Charles Mingus on the cover of Money Jungle.

Courtesy of Blue Note

September means a lot of things to a lot of people: It's a time to reflect on the summer that was. The harvest is afoot. Football is back. The elections are approaching. The kids are out of the house, back in school as part of their mission to become smarter than us in record time.

The change of season offers a chance to look ahead and look back simultaneously. For many, it's an especially productive month: In the world of jazz, September sessions have produced some special recordings, as heard below.

September Songs: Classic Jazz, Born In The Fall

Lester Leaps In

Count Basie

Song: Lester Leaps In

from Essential Count Basie, Vol. 2

On Sept. 5, 1939, William "Count" Basie assembled trumpeter Buck Clayton, trombonist Dickie Wells, guitarist Freddie Green, bassist Walter Page, drummer Jo Jones and tenor giant Lester Young for this spirited exchange, which has to be a part of any jazz starter kit.

Very Special

Duke Ellington/Charlie Mingus/Max Roach

Song: Very Special

from

Listening to the musical communication among Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus and Max Roach, it's hard to believe that there wasn't more than this session from Sept. 17, 1962. Ellington, Mingus and Roach were more than a trio; they were a powerhouse.

The Feeling of Jazz

Duke Ellington w/ John Coltrane

Song: The Feeling of Jazz

from Duke Ellington & John Coltrane

It speaks to the genius of Ellington that, nine days after recording with Mingus and Roach, he was back in the studio on Sept. 26, 1962 — this time providing composition and chords to the colors of John Coltrane. With bassist Aaron Bell and drummer Sam Woodyard, "The Feeling of Jazz" is conveyed quite nicely.

Unit 7

Wes Montgomery

Song: Unit 7

from Impressions: The Verve Jazz Sides

Guitarist Pat Metheny said that this date — Sept. 22, 1965 — was a very important inspiration to him when he was starting his guitar career at the age of 13. Here's Wes Montgomery with pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Jimmy Cobb.

September in the Rain

Roy Hargrove

Song: September in the Rain

from Public Eye

This tune was introduced in the film Melody for Two. It's been recorded by folks as diverse as June Christy, Chad & Jeremy, Dinah Washington, Frank Sinatra, George Shearing, Willie Nelson, Lionel Hampton, The Beatles and Norah Jones. This version — with Roy Hargrove, alto saxophonist Antonio Hart, bassist Christian McBride, pianist Stephen Scott and drummer Billy Higgins — wasn't actually recorded in September, but it certainly captures its spirit. Enjoy, but don't get wet.